Crime notices are issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). A notice is posted for crimes considered to be a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. These crimes must have occurred within those areas of the campus that are specifically defined in the Clery Act (on campus property, non-campus property owned or controlled by the University or public property bordering campus). This information is typically disseminated to campus community members via email and posted on the University homepage.
Crime prevention and awareness, as well as consistent reporting, may be the strongest defenses against becoming a victim. While becoming a victim of crime is never the fault of the victim, the following list of practices may help safeguard members of our community.
Travel well-lighted, busy routes. Avoid walking or parking in shadowed areas. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your door and remember to be alert to what and who is around you.
Avoid text messaging or talking on the phone while out in public if you do not absolutely need to.
Only carry the credit cards you need. Avoid displaying and carrying large sums of money in public.
Be careful with cell phones, purses and wallets. If you do not need to use your phone, keep it secured and out of sight. Carry a purse close to your body, but do not loop or wrap straps around you. A purse snatcher could injure you. Keep wallets in an inside pocket.
Know the locations of the blue light emergency callboxes throughout campus. These phones provide direct communications with the Northwestern University Police Department Dispatch Center and identify the location from which you are calling.
If you are confronted in a robbery, COOPERATE! Give the criminal what they ask for: wallet, keys, jewelry, credit cards and electronics. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions. Do not make sudden moves or try to apprehend the criminal yourself. Concentrate on remembering a description and call police immediately.
Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to the Northwestern University Police Department at (847) 491-3456 or dial 911.
Shortly after 4 a.m. on Monday, April 14, the Northwestern University Police Department responded to reports of vandalism in the area around Kresge Hall, on University buildings.
Hateful graffiti and flyers were found in the area. Northwestern Facilities is working to remove the vandalism.
The Northwestern University Police Department is conducting an investigation and reviewing video footage in the vicinity. If you have information regarding this incident, please contact Northwestern University Police at (847) 491-3456.
Anyone found to be involved in the incident will be subject to appropriate consequences under University policies and state law.
Chicago & Evanston campuses - November 8, 2024
A Northwestern University intercampus shuttle bus was struck by what police believe was a bullet off campus in Chicago at approximately 7 p.m. last night (Friday, Nov. 8).
The shuttle vendor, WeDriveU, reported that a single projectile hit the driver-side windshield of the bus as it was traveling near Loyola University's lakeshore campus. The shuttle driver sustained minor injuries from shattered glass. No other injuries were reported among the approximately 15 passengers on board.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) responded quickly to the scene to investigate while the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment. CPD is the lead investigating agency. Moving forward, Northwestern University Police (NUPD) will collaborate with CPD and WeDriveU to obtain video footage from the bus's exterior camera system for CPD's further analysis.
"Based on the information available, we do not believe that the incident was targeted," said Chief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President Bruce A. Lewis.
This incident did not occur on or near the Northwestern campus, and there is no ongoing threat to the University community. If you have information regarding the incident, please contact NUPD at (847) 491-3456.
Chicago & Evanston campuses - November 3, 2023
Over the past several weeks, the Northwestern Police Department (NPD) has received numerous reports of stolen bicycles and electric scooters from both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. The thefts have occurred at multiple bicycle racks on both campuses at various times of the day. NPD is increasing security measures.
We want to share some steps you can take to help keep your bicycle or scooter secure. Offenders have removed bicycles and scooters because they were not secured to a bicycle rack or by breaking cable locks. We strongly recommend you use a high-quality rigid lock rather than a cable lock, and be sure to secure the frame, rather than solely the handlebars or wheels, to better deter thefts.
NPD will host bicycle/scooter theft prevention sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 12 – 2 p.m. at the Norris Center west doors on the Evanston campus and in the Abbott Hall main lobby on the Chicago campus. At the theft prevention sessions, students, faculty and staff can receive a free rigid lock in exchange for a cable lock and also get a free helmet. Just bring your valid Wildcard and register your bicycle or scooter in advance with 529 Garage, a nationwide bike-registry organization that helps return stolen bicycles and scooters to their owners.
If you or someone you know has had their bicycle or scooter stolen, please visit NPD's Found Property webpage, where recently recovered yet unclaimed bicycles and scooters are listed.
Report any suspicious activity or person(s) immediately to NPD at (847) 491-3456 or (312) 503-3456 or dial 911
Chicago Campus - June 4, 2023
Update: At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a shooting in the 300 block of East Huron Street, adjacent to the Chicago campus.
One person has died. The victim is not affiliated with Northwestern University.
A second person, also not affiliated with Northwestern but who could be another victim of this shooting, is being treated for a leg wound at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
There are no ongoing safety concerns related to the incident for members of the Northwestern community.
The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing video footage in the vicinity; however, CPD is leading the investigation.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact CPD at (312) 746-600
Chicago Campus - June 4, 2023
On June 4, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Northwestern University and Chicago Police Departments responded to a shooting in the 300 block of East Huron Street, adjacent to the Chicago campus. One person was wounded. Involved individuals fled the area, away from campus.
One victim was struck with gunfire and transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The severity of the person's injuries were not immediately known.
The Northwestern University Police Department is reviewing video footage in the vicinity.
The Chicago Police Department is the lead investigating agency.
If you have information regarding this incident, please contact Northwestern University Police at (847) 491-3456.